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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996 06-03 CCM Special Work Session MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY OF HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA SPECIAL WORK SESSION JUNE 3, 1996 CITY HALL CALL TO ORDER The Brooklyn Center City Council met in special work session and was called to order by Mayor Myrna Kragness at 7 p.m. ROLL CALL Mayor Myrna Kragness, Councilmembers Kathleen Carmody, Debra Hilstrom, and Charles F. Nichols, Sr. Councilmember Kristen Mann was excused from tonight's meeting. Also present were City Manager Michael J. McCauley, Director of Public Services Diane Spector, and Council Secretary Carla Wirth. DISCUSSION OF PROPOSED POLICY ON DELINQUENT WATER BILLS The City Manager advised there was discussion several months ago about changing the delinquent water bill policy. He asked if the proposed policy represents Council's intention or if it should be revised. A discussion ensued regarding the proposed policy and the Council agreed the policy should include a cold weather shut off rule. Council consensus was reached to request staff to prepare a revised policy which includes a cold weather shutoff exemption and identifies only two shut off periods, spring and fall. UPDATE ON ORCHARD LANE PROJECT - POLICY ISSUE OF USE OF CHOKERS GENERALLY The City Manager asserted there is not enough evidence that the use of chokers has been found to be beneficial. He noted that with the Logan project, it was removed at the resident's request. He asked if the Council wants to test a choker system in one neighborhood to see if it is beneficial. A discussion ensued between the Council and staff with questions being answered regarding issues of plowing, pedestrian and bicyclist safety, increased noise and pollution generated by bus traffic if stop signs or rumble strips are installed, effectiveness of pedestrian walkways, and use of painted areas or vinyl panels rather than concrete islands. The City Manager indicated, since there is not a strong unanimity, staff will move forward with the normal design and obtain additional information from the City of Hopkins since they use this system on neighborhood streets. 06/03/96 _ 1 _ Sight Trianele Obstruction Councilmember Nichols commented on an exit from the sports and health club where the stop sign is not effective due to sight obstruction caused by mature trees. He suggested the business owner be asked to remove the two trees causing the sight obstruction. The Director of Public Services indicated staff will view this area and determine a solution. Newton Avenue Project Councilmember Carmody reviewed a comment she heard from a resident regarding Newton Avenue being constructed to a heavier load standard and concern that it is being designed in this manner with the intention it will become a thoroughfare. The Director of Public Services reviewed the results of a traffic study which was conducted jointly with Brooklyn Park and advised the road design is based on the level and type of traffic on this roadway. DISCUSSION OF COUNCIL INTEREST IN JOINT MEETING WITH BROOKLYN PARK CITY COUNCIL The City Manager advised the Brooklyn Park City Council is interested in a joint meeting with the Brooklyn Center City Council. Councilmember Nichols asked if other communities should also be invited. The City Manager commented on the benefit of meeting with only one other Council since there will be more issues in common. Councilmember Hilstrom expressed an interest in a joint meeting if a topic(s) is selected for discussion. She suggested the topic of cost of services be addressed. Councilmember Nichols concurred and suggested an informal session with structure on the issues of discussion. Consensus was reached to direct staff to schedule a future informal session with the Brooklyn Park City Council and to develop a list of topics for a structured discussion. NEXT STEPS IN BIENNIAL SALARY REVIEW The City Manager explained the procedure involved to change Council salaries and requested input regarding a biennial salary review. He explained the procedure established by State law. Councilmembers discussed setting their own salary and concerns were raised with regard to budget constraints. The City Manager advised it can be considered during budget time, but State Statute requires the Council to vote to initiate the pay increase. Council consensus was reached to place this item on the June 10, 1996, agenda so it can be resolved prior to election time. 06/03/96 -2- i COUNCIL ITEMS Rainbow Foods Update The City Manager reported the Rainbow Foods project is proceeding and they should be applying shortly for required City permits. At that time, he suggested Rainbow Foods be asked to provide the Council with an update. It was noted that the issue regarding the location of the municipal liquor store is unrelated to whether Rainbow Foods proceeds. Ash Trees Update The City Manager advised the ash trees did not create enough starches to strengthen the stems to support the early blooming leaves; however, they should rebud. Association of Rental Management Tour The City Manager reported the June 11, 1996, Association of Rental Management bus tour will include Brookdale Ten. He asked Council to indicate to staff if they intend to participate. Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council With regard to the May 28, 1996, letter from Patricia Wilder, Executive Director of the Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council, Councilmember Hilstrom clarified a staff liaison is now representing Brooklyn Center at this meeting so she asked Mayor Kragness if she should continue to attend. It was decided by the Council that she no longer needed to attend since a Brooklyn Center staff liaison attends every meeting. Councilmember Hilstrom stated she will send a letter of clarification to the Northwest Hennepin Human ' Services Council regarding representation of Brooklyn Center by the staff liaison. A brief discussion took place regarding a State grant for Brooklyn Center youth activities which is being applied for by the Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council. Councilmember Carmody expressed concern with supporting it and requested more information regarding this grant. The City Manager stated he will provide additional information to the City Council. OTHER DISCUSSION Use of Terms Mayor Kragness noted that at the last meeting the term "rollerblading" was used which is a trademark term. The term "in -line skating" should have been used instead. Highway 100 Update Councilmember Nichols reported on a meeting he attended regarding the Highway 100 Council and the potential impact depending on the reconstruction option selected. He commented on the importance of alerting residents in the Twin Lake triangle about this project. Mayor Kragness reviewed the anticipated time line for the next steps to be taken and the intention to hold neighborhood meetings. 06/03/96 _ ; _ Discussion was held regarding whether the City has a policy addressing usage of the City -owned island. ADJOURNMENT A motion by Councilmember Carmody and seconded by Councilmember Nichols to adjourn the meeting at 9:02 p.m. passed unanimously. " 91— City Clerk May4r Recorded and transcribed by: Carla Wirth TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial 06/03/96 -4-